Buy Photo
Where’s the best place to dine?(Photo: Register)Buy Photo
Welcome to the Register’s first guide to the 50 essential restaurants of Des Moines. No matter what your dining dilemma, this list can answer that tricky question: Where should I eat breakfast, lunch, dinner or brunch? Or where should I eat if I’m only in town for one weekend a year?
Here you’ll find a variety of cuisines, price points and locations all across the Des Moines area. Granted, this is the first attempt to compile such a list, and it should be fluid, changing to add new restaurants that get their legs under them, old places that push the envelope and those in between that step up their games. It’s certainly not meant to be a list of best restaurants. Instead, think of this as a compendium of dependable places we can recommend for any dining conundrum. So as restaurants and situations change, we plan to take restaurants off and add fresh, groundbreaking ones.
Note we didn’t include restaurants that have been open for less than six months. Breweries, bars and lounges that focus on liquor first are also not included since this list primarily covers the dining scene. Everything here is listed in alphabetical order, so this is not a ranking, it is simply a guide.
Before you get your pitchforks, your angry emails and nasty phone calls ready because your favorite restaurant didn’t make the list, consider joining the conversation instead with a thoughtful comment about why an eatery should be included. Again, this is a first draft, and certainly not the end all, be all. We’re all ears.
Without further ado, the very first 50 essential restaurants of Des Moines. Enjoy.
Datebook Diner Karla Walsh contributed to this article immensely.
Buy PhotoBuy PhotoBuy PhotoBuy PhotoBuy PhotoBuy PhotoBuy PhotoBuy PhotoBuy PhotoBuy PhotoBuy PhotoBuy PhotoBuy PhotoBuy PhotoBuy PhotoBuy PhotoBuy PhotoBuy PhotoBuy PhotoBuy PhotoBuy PhotoBuy Photo
Last SlideNext Slide
801 ChopHouse
Steak/Seafood
Downtown
200 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines
515-288-6000
Yes, it’s pricey for Des Moines, but this steakhouse in the tallest building in the city is a place to see and be seen as well as to dine on great steaks and their sides. Perfect for special occasions.
A Dong
Vietnamese
Sherman Hill
1511 High St., Des Moines
515-284-5632
Back open after a devastating fire, this Vietnamese gem is always crowded (and for good reason). Don’t miss the newly renovated, almost spa-like interior — or the spectacular spring rolls.
Buy Photo
Go for sushi or teppanyaki at Akebono. (Photo: Zach Boyden-Holmes/The Register)
Akebono
Sushi
Western Gateway
215 10th St., Des Moines
515-244-5972
This is about as close as you will get to sushi in Des Moines, but do try the teppanyaki grill dishes and do a shot of Hennessy. You’ll fit right in.
Alba
American
Historic East Village
524 E. Sixth St., Des Moines
515-244-0261
This farm-to-table concept with chef Joe Tripp at the helm in the East Village changes its menu to offer the best produce and proteins of the season. Do sit at the four-seat chef’s table to watch your meal cooked in front of you.
BB Grocery, Meat Deli
Deli
Indianola Hills
2001 SE Sixth St., Des Moines
515-243-7607
Yes, it’s a grocery store, but go for the killer sandwiches here, including a breaded pork tenderloin and Dad’s Killer Sandwich, both to die for.
Buy Photo
David Baruthio’s Baru 66 is perfect for a special occasion. (Photo: John Gaps III/The Register)
Baru 66
French
Waveland Woods
6587 University Ave., Des Moines
515-277-6627
David Baruthio brings his exquisite French dishes to Windsor Heights. Be adventurous and try one of the prix fixe menus to see what the chef really wants you to try.
Bauder Pharmacy
Ice cream
North of Grand
3802 Ingersoll Ave., Des Moines
515-255-1124
Come for the Iowa State Fair nostalgia (those peppermint ice cream sandwiches!), stay for the old school soda fountain vibe and the fudge and butter pecan turtle sundae.
Related:The future of dining in Iowa
Bistro Montage
French
Woodland Heights
2724 Ingersoll Ave., Des Moines
515-557-1924
Chef Enosh Kelley’s French bistro recently axed lunch, but now offers a $35 three-course prix fixe dinner that highlights seasonal ingredients to complement the impressive wine selection.
Centro
Italian
Western Gateway
1003 Locust St., Des Moines
515-248-1780
Derek Eidson gets creative with his interpretation of Italian fare. New York classic pizzas are must-orders here, but come for lunch or brunch with the bloody Mary bar as well.
The Cheese Shop
American
Drake
833 42nd St., Suite B, Des Moines
515-528-8181
Come on Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. for a cheesy deal: a simmering serves-two pot of fondue, plus cornichons and a mound of La Mie bread bites, for just $15.
Cool Basil Thai Cuisine Sushi Bar
Asian
Clive
1250 86th St., Clive
515-225-8111
Flip through the novel-like menu to discover everything from sushi to stir fries to satay. More Asian than directly Thai, it’s a nice way to dip your toe into more worldly cuisines.
Creme brings the perfect end to the night with its desserts and cocktails. (Photo: Special to the Register)
Crème Cupcake Dessert
Dessert
Woodland Heights
543 28th St., Des Moines
515-288-1050
For a sweet ending to a date night, split a treat in Christina Moffatt’s dessert lounge and wash it down with one of the drink pairing suggestions like a spiked Spanish Coffee or French 75 cocktail.
Django
French
Western Gateway
210 10th St., Des Moines
515-288-0268
While it’s open daily, visit the unfussy French restaurant branch of George Formaro’s empire on Tuesday after 4 p.m. for all-night happy hour with $1 oysters, select $4 appetizers and $5 martinis, wines and beers. Oh yes, and no corkage fee ever.
Drake Diner
Greasy spoon
Drake
1111 25th St., Des Moines
515-277-1111
This college town greasy spoon can help cure your hangover — or just your cravings — with breakfast all day. Don’t miss the supersized pancakes and skillets to stretch your dollar.
Related: Datebook Diner’s 44 favorite dishes in central Iowa
Eatery A
Mediterranean
Woodland Heights
2932 Ingersoll Ave., Des Moines
515-282-8085
Everything at Nic Gonwa’s Eatery A has a Mediterranean flair to it, but always order the octopus and the caramel budino and you will never go wrong. Pizzas are a must-order here as well.
Flying Mango
Caribbean Barbecue
Beaverdale
4345 Hickman Road, Des Moines
515-255-4111
Real wood smoking, like with the 24-hour beef brisket, and a suprising Caribbean twist (mango salsa as a chicken-topper!) sets this Beverdale barbecue joint apart from other saucy spots.
Buy Photo
Fong’s Pizza recently remodeled their restrooms Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2015, in Des Moines. (Photo: Scott Morgan/Special to Juice)
Fong’s Pizza
Polynesian cocktail lounge and pizza
Downtown
223 Fourth St., Des Moines
515-323-3333
You say you want crab rangoon on top of your pizza? Done. This place serves from lunch until late night and is a must for any visitor or newcomer to Des Moines.
Francie’s Bar Grill
Sports Bar
Southwestern Hills
2100 Wakonda View Drive, Des Moines
515-285-5207
This sports bar is a must for its iconic burgers, French dips and grinders. Order some nachos or chicken wings during the big game and get there early if you want a seat.
Gateway Market
Groceries and wine
Sherman Hill
2002 Woodland Ave., Des Moines
515-243-1754
Come for the market’s 10 Under $10 wine picks by sommelier Abbe Hendricks; stay for the cafe’s expansive menu of sandwiches, salads and more served in huge portions. Fun fact: Gateway brought the first ramen to Des Moines.
Related:10 dining pet peeves
The Highlife Lounge
Comfort Food
Downtown
200 SW Second St., Des Moines
515-280-1965
Step into this 1960′s style tavern and order up divine cheese curds, lil smokeys, bacon-wrapped tater tots and deviled eggs. Stay for the peanut butter and bacon burger. And slip next door to El Bait Shop for 180 craft brews on tap.
HoQ
American
East Village
303 E. Fifth St., Des Moines
515-244-1213
Suman Hoque takes a farm-to-table approach that keeps Iowa farm products on the ever-changing global menu. Organic, sustainable and local are key words here.
Buy Photo
HoQ on the East Village has an ever-changing menu based on what produce is in season. (Photo: Zach Boyden-Holmes/The Register)
Jesse’s Embers
Surf ‘N Turf
North of Grand
3301 Ingersoll Ave., Des Moines
515-255-6011
This old school steak and seafood restaurant started in 1963 and hasn’t looked back since. The staff here treats you like family.
Jethro’s Barbecue
Drake
3100 Forest Ave., Des Moines
515-279-3300
While Jethro’s now has several “siblings”, the kitsch of the barbecue sports bar’s Drake location makes the original the best. Bring your appetite and take on the $24.95 “Man vs. Food”-sized Adam Emmenecker Challenge (a burger, plus pork tenderloin, brisket, buffalo chicken tenders, bacon and fried cheese).
La Mie Bakery
Deli/bakery
Drake/Western Gateway
841 42nd St., Des Moines and 1220 Locust St., Des Moines
515-255-1625 and 515-244-3033
Balance out Joe Logsdon’s freshly baked pastries and macarons with a nutritious dish like the vegetable scramble with avocado or the roasted beet and quinoa salad.
Los Laureles
Mexican
Capitol East
1518 E. Grand Ave.
515-265-2200
Just consider this the best authentic Mexican experience in Des Moines with its tortas, corn tortillas and margaritas.
Buy Photo
Le Jardin in Beaverdale is a French gem. (Photo: Register file photo)
Le Jardin
French
Beaverdale
2815 Beaver Ave., Des Moines
515-255-5787
With a focus on local ingredients and simple French fare, diners should check out Tag Grandgeorge’s clean yet intimate space for a romantic date night or a unique Sunday family brunch option.
Lemongrass
Thai/Lao
West Des Moines
1221 Eighth St., West Des Moines
515-440-4709
For a steal over the lunch hour, try any of the never more than $10.95 noodle, fried rice stir-fries with beef, chicken or tofu.
Mi Patria
Ecuadorian
West Des Moines
1410 22nd St., West Des Moines
515-222-2755
As tame as empanadas and as extreme as crab, shrimp and clam arroz marinero, this Ecuadorian fare packs more flavor and will push your boundaries. And you’ll be glad it did.
Namaste India
Indian
Clive
7500 University Ave, Clive
515-255-1698
Come ready to share and take an Indian flavor adventure via the two-plate-spanning stuffed crepes and the overflowing daily lunch buffet. Wash down the turmeric-laced chicken tikka masala with a glass of sweet mango lassi. Warning: Spicy here means SPICY.
New Le’s Chinese Bar-B-Que
Chinese
River Bend
1600 Second Ave., Des Moines
515-244-6111
Consider this your must-visit for Cantonese food. The duck and the tender pork should definitely be part of your order.
Open Sesame
Lebanese
Historic East Village
313 E. Locust St., Des Moines
515-288-3151
Get your Mediterranean diet fix at this East Village Lebanese lunch and dinner spot. Crunchy falafel, creamy tzatziki dip and loaded schwarma pitas shine.
Patton’s
Soul Food
Capitol East
1552 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines
515-265-2203
We have five words for you: red velvet chicken and waffles. Try that and plate-after-plate of soul food staples on Pam Patton’s buffet ($12 during lunch Tuesday through Friday and $16 on Sunday).
Pho All Season
Vietnamese
Highland Park
1311 E. Euclid Ave., Des Moines
515-330-1840
Order bun bo hue, the ultimate comfort food, and banh mi, the ultimate Vietnamese sandwich, at this stalwart in Highland Park.
Buy Photo
Let chef Sean Wilson’s discoveries guide your menu at Proof in the Western Gateway. (Photo: Brian Powers/The Register)
Proof
Mediterranean, North African and French
Western Gateway
1301 Locust St., Des Moines
515-244-0655
Sean Wilson’s stellar restaurant changes like a chameleon to reflect the cuisine his culinary prowess fancies at the moment. Come for Second Saturdays, a blind exploration with an insane theme such as modern foods, updated Betty Crocker recipes or an ode to Charles Dickens.
Red Rossa
Pizza
Clive
12695 University Ave., # 100, Clive
515-221-2529
Besides the wood-fired pizzas, this west side order-at-the-counter restaurant offers loaded salads (check out the oh-so-Italian chop chop) served “a libretto” (translation: like a book), stuffed inside a fresh, warm crust.
Royal Mile
British
Downtown
210 Fourth Ave., Des Moines
515-280-3771
Classic and modern takes on British fare make the menu here, but keep in mind the 115 single malt Scotches as well as the Red Monk, the upstairs Belgian bar.
Smitty’s
Breaded Pork Tenderloins
Watrous South
1401 Army Post Road, Des Moines
515-287-4742
Pull up a barstool and order the king of breaded pork tenderloins. These babies are the size of a frisbee and pretty much a national treasure.
Smokey D’s BBQ Barbecue
Fort Des Moines, Western Gateway and Downtown
5055 NW Second St., 1210 Locust St., 601 Locust St.
515-243-2747, 515-288-1000, 515-245-3800
Can you argue with 700-plus awards on the national barbecue circuit? No. Head to one of three locations for the king of barbecue in Des Moines.
South Union
Deli
Western Gateway
1007 Locust St., Des Moines
515-248-1782
Only open for weekday lunch, make sure to get in line at this popular downtown soup, salad and sandwich spot before noon to avoid a long line. Regardless of your meal choice, you’ll return for the fresh baked focaccia that comes with every order.
Splash Seafood Bar Grill
Seafood
Downtown
303 Locust St., Des Moines
515-244-5686
Bruce Gerleman flies in fish daily from Boston, Key Largo, Honolulu and beyond to stock his island cooking recipes. Do go for the oyster bar, the first in the state, and wine list.
Buy Photo
Strudl Haus brings Austrian flavors to Des Moines. (Photo: Bryon Houlgrave/The Register)
Strudl Haus
Austrian
McKinley School/Columbus Park
1951 Indianola Ave., Des Moines
515-259-9886
Snag a booth at Michael Leo’s Austrian cafe for a mug of coffee and a flaky Dutch letter for breakfast any day, or swing by for dinner Thursday through Saturday for specialties like wiener schnitzel or cheese spaetzle. Save room for a decadent dessert from the drool-inducing pastry case.
Table 128
New American
Clive
2695 University Ave., Suite 140, Clive
515-327-7427
Lynn Pritchard’s fresh, new American menu changes quarterly, is lick-your-plate delicious and totally special occasion-worthy. Schedule your visit for a Wednesday night to enjoy vino picks from Lynn’s wife Sarah as part of the unlimited wine offering ($26) or Saturday for the never-repeated $38 three-course tasting menu.
Tacopocalypse
Fusion
Historic East Village
407 E. Fifth St., Des Moines
515-556-0571
It started as a biker’s favorite on Taco Tuesday rides, then became a farmers market stand. Now, the Asian-inspired fusion food at Tacopacolypse is the cornerstone of Food Network-famous Sam Auen’s restaurant empire. (See also: Krunkwich and Piu Piu Dim Sum, with more to come.)
Tacos Marianas
Mexican
Capitol East
1305 University Ave., Des Moines
515-288-1499
The freshly made guacamole is studded with cucumbers and a refreshing accompaniment to the spicy salsa, while the $1.25 tacos (filled with anything from steak to pork carnitas to beef tongue) might just be the tastiest you’ll find outside of a truck.
Taste of New York
Pizza
West Des Moines
165 S. Jordan Creek Pkwy, Suite 160, West Des Moines
515-223-8669
Can’t make it to Brooklyn? This Jordan Creek-area pizza place is the closest you can get to a classic cheese street slice without leaving Des Moines.
Ted’s Coney Island
Burgers Woodland Heights and Urbandale
3020 Ingersoll Ave., Des Moines and 2667 86th St, Urbandale
515-243-8947
Lamb gyros in fluffy pitas, Chicago dogs in poppy seed-coated buns and appropriately oversized pork tenderloins…this eclectic menu is what you dream would be available at every Iowa fast food joint.
Buy Photo
Trellis Cafe brings dishes perfect for young and old alike. (Photo: Zach Boyden-Holmes/The Register)
Trellis
Deli
Capitol Park
909 Robert D. Ray Drive, Des Moines
515-323-6288
With a monthly garden-inspired menu and the beautiful blooms nearby, Lisa LaValle’s Botanical Garden deli makes for a flavorful yet figure-friendly lunch spot for everyone from students to retirees.
Tumea Sons
Italian
Southside
1501 SE First St., Des Moines
515-282-7964
This old school Italian red sauce joint comes with its own bocce ball court for serious enthusiasts.
Zanzibar’s Coffee Adventure
Coffee Shop
Woodland Heights
2723 Ingersoll Ave., Des Moines
515-244-7694
There’s a reason this coffee shop is always packed to the gills. Zanzibar’s sources its own beans from Kenya, Costa Rica, Sumatra and of course Zanzibar. Bonus: Breakfast comes with coffee most of the time.
Zombie Burger Drink Lab
Burgers East Village and West Des Moines
300 E. Grand Ave, Des Moines, and 101 Jordan Creek Pkwy., West Des Moines
515-244-9292
Novelty burgers and a horror movie theme rule the roost at this joint from Tom McKern with a “post apocalyptic chic” setting. It’s just more fun to order a Dead Moines with smoked Gouda, prosciutto, ham and truffle mayo.